Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Fahey is to leave Birmingham City, after the club declined a two-year option on his contract.

He will be available on a free transfer from June 1st.

The Tallaght native, formerly of St Patrick’s Athletic, took to Twitter to deliver the news .

He said: “Very sad to be leaving #BCFC have had 4 & a half good years here thanks to all the fans who have made me feel very welcome @BcfcDotCom.”

Fahey (30) had only recently returned to the club following a period of compassionate leave and made just nine appearances this season, bringing his total for the club since the 2008/09 season to 143. He scored nine goals for the club in that time.

He was warmly welcomed back by manager Lee Clark but appears now to have been deemed surplus to requirements as the club seeks to cut costs at the end of the season.

The midfielder began as a youth player with Arsenal and then Aston Villa, before returning home to Bluebell United after a difficult time abroad.

His move to Birmingham came about after a particularly impressive season with Pat’s in 2008, when he was named PFAI Player of the Year.

Just days ago, former Ireland international Stephen Carr also left Birmingham,calling time on his career at the age of 36.